Police officers from Trans Nzoia County arrested a 23, year old man impersonating Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's wife Dorcas Rigathi on social media to con gullible Kenyans.

The suspect was reported to be managing at least 14 Facebook pages where he promises Kenyans access to cheap loans between Ksh1,000 and Ksh200,000.

He however demanded Ksh700 as a registration fee and an additional Ksh2,500 as security for the loan.

In addition, the suspect had allegedly hired his girlfriend, a minor, to pose as the secretary and take the interested candidates through the 'registration process'.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua (left) and his wife Dorcas Rigathi (right) during the swearing-in ceremony at Kasarani Stadium on Tuesday, September 13, 2022

FILE

Police detailed that one of the victims who personally knew the DP's wife reached out to her and enquired about the promised loans.

Following an alert to the police, a three-day manhunt was launched where they used technology to trace the phone of the suspects.

They were arrested on Sunday night January 8, at a local liquor joint.

Additionally, police reports indicate that one of the victims was conned a total of Ksh29,000, and interestingly as the culprit was being apprehended, another victim sent Ksh2,500 before reversing the funds.

The duo was arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts where he was charged with obtaining money by false pretense and impersonation.

Cases of Kenyans impersonating prominent people to swindle the public have been on the rise in resent times. 

On Thursday, January 5, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detailed how a man masquerading as ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo swindled unsuspecting job seekers in the country.

"Kenyans are advised to be wary of such social media accounts and are cautioned not to send money to anyone in order to influence favours," DCI warned.

 In December 2022, a musician from Sugoi was arrest for impersonating Gachagua by using his Facebook page.

The musician used his platform to ask Kenyans to help contribute funds meant for those severely affected by the ravaging drought.

After he was arraigned in court, he was fined Ksh50,000 or a seven-month jail term for impersonating the deputy president's wife.